posted
I was recently diagnosed with Lyme disease and Babesiosis. I have been misdiagnosed for 15 years.
I have 4 children and feel that I need to get them all tested. My first question: Should I do just a basic western blot IgG and IgM, or should I do the complete lyme panel?
I really can't afford the $500 a piece for the Lyme panel, so wondering if starting with the western blot is sufficient enough.
My second question is: Should I automatically assume that if they are Lyme positive, that they have the co-infection as well? Or would I need to test separately for that, too?
I feel like I need to get them tested ASAP so I can start getting them treatment. 3 out of the 4 are showing symptoms of ADD, mood swings and separation anxiety.
Oh, I have another question, too! If the children are positive for Lyme, would they need to be put on IV abx, too? How do they do that with toddlers?
I am going to the Dr. in the morning, and would like to discuss the testing with him. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Posts: 33 | From Utah | Registered: Mar 2008
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posted
I am going to answer this question to the best of my knowledge. Im sure others will be able to help too
The igg and igm should be able to pick up the Lyme, especially if there so young and if that comes back positive than you could test for co-infections seperately.
No you shouldnt assume they definetely have a co-infection but if they have Lyme then a seperate test will need to be done just to make sure. A lot of Lyme patients are co-infected, but Im not sure how likely co-infections are transmitted congenitely. Mine was $190 for each one.
No they would not NEED to be put on IV's. But, yes I do think that if they are infected they should start treatment immediately. Most likely amoxicillin for the younger ones and they say kids have the best chance of getting well Good Luck
Posts: 370 | From NJ | Registered: Dec 2007
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posted
follow your gut!!!!! that is my best suggestion - they are your children and if you have thier best interest in mind - then follow your gut!!
you will know what to do when the time comes....
i have only tested 1 of my 2, my oldest, as she shows the largest symptoms and she was positive. my youngest shows signs but not near the level of my oldest. i have not yet tested her. i dont know if this is considered right or wront but my gut says it is the best thing for now...
maybe i am in denial
maybe i couldnt handle it
maybe it is the right thing
there are so many maybes and most of the time i feel ok with the decision, but i watch and i think i will know if i need to do something different.
my youngest is 10 almost 11 and for the most part very normal and active so if she is positive her immune system keeps her very much in check at this stage....
let us know what you decide...good luck
-------------------- Seeking renewed health & vitality. --------------------------------- Do not take anything I say as medical advice - I am NOT a dr! Posts: 830 | From TN | Registered: Aug 2007
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posted
I am going to answer this question to the best of my knowledge. Im sure others will be able to help too
The igg and igm should be able to pick up the Lyme, especially if there so young and if that comes back positive than you could test for co-infections seperately.
No you shouldnt assume they definetely have a co-infection but if they have Lyme then a seperate test will need to be done just to make sure. A lot of Lyme patients are co-infected, but Im not sure how likely co-infections are transmitted congenitely. Mine was $190 for each one.
No they would not NEED to be put on IV's. But, yes I do think that if they are infected they should start treatment immediately. Most likely amoxicillin for the younger ones and they say kids have the best chance of getting well Good Luck
Posts: 370 | From NJ | Registered: Dec 2007
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posted
I too have Lyme and think I have had it 14 years.
My boys are 6 and 3.
The 6 year old doesn't have any real issues but my 3 year old has ``developmental delays'' but at this time, appears ``typical'' to strangers.
I had them tested via Igenex and my both tests came back neg but the 3 year old had had Lyme specific band IND.
At first my Dr (IDSA) wasn't going to treat them and retest in 3 months. Then in our discussion, when I gave him more background on the boys, he decided to treat them now with Ceftin, retest in 3 months and then when they turn 8, to treat again with a tetracycline.
My younger one did get a bit of a rash after 7 or so days on the abx but other than that they have been ok. Maybe a bit fussy but who knows f that would have happened anyway.
I'm not sure if this has helped but this has been our experience. Best of luck to you and your kids.
posted
Thanks for all your replies! I will talk to the dr. tomorrow about it. Can't afford the testing right now, so hopefully we'll get those federal refunds soon!
The dr. I see doesn't know that it is cogenital. I actually think that he thinks I am crazy when I say that, because he is a ob-gyn, and my mom and I are his first Lyme patients in 30+ years of practice.
I will let you all know how it goes. Please pray for us! Thanks!
Posts: 33 | From Utah | Registered: Mar 2008
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
lorenz,
igenex western blot igm and igg testing is a TOTAL OF $190 FOR BOTH IGM/IGG ... not separately!!! good luck.
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Geneal
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 10375
posted
I did the Igenex WB IgM and IgG for my children.
If you test 3 or more family members within 2 weeks they give a 15% discount.
May want to call to see if they still offer that.
It made each test 161.50 instead of 190.00 which helped.
Heres a hint. Get doctor to Rx some lanocaine cream.
Put it on their arms where you believe they will have the blood drawn.
Cover with plastic. Let it sit about one hour.
Right before blood is drawn, wipe off thoroughly (alcohol works well).
They won't feel a thing.....and neither will you.
Hugs,
Geneal
Posts: 6250 | From Louisiana | Registered: Oct 2006
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tickled1
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 14257
posted
quote:
The dr. I see doesn't know that it is cogenital. I actually think that he thinks I am crazy when I say that, because he is a ob-gyn, and my mom and I are his first Lyme patients in 30+ years of practice.
PLEASE SEE A LLMD ASAP!!!!
Posts: 2541 | From Northeast | Registered: Jan 2008
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